On Thursday, 26 March 2026, at the Parish of ‘Holy Great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, Equal
to the Apostles’ in Bristol, the faithful of the community gathered to take part in the catechetical
conference delivered by Reverend Hieromonk Dionisie Stan. The meeting took place within the
catechetical programme dedicated to Great Lent, organised across the parishes of the Archdiocese.
The theme of the conference, ‘The Sunday of St Mary of Egypt – Repentance, the Victory of Man over
Sin’, offered those present the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the spiritual meaning of
repentance and the transformative power of turning back to God.
In his address, Reverend Hieromonk Dionisie Stan emphasised that the life of St Mary of Egypt
remains one of the most powerful testimonies of the work of God’s grace in the life of a person,
showing that no sin is greater than the love and mercy of God. Thus, the Father stated:
‘On the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, the Holy Church sets before us the theme of repentance as an
essential work of the spiritual life, a true victory of man over sin, offering us as a model St Mary of
Egypt. Repentance is not merely regret for sins, but a profound change of mind and heart, a sincere
turning towards God. Her life shows that this return is possible for every person, no matter how deep
the fall.
True repentance involves struggle and steadfastness, as we see in the ascetic life of St Mary of Egypt.
It is not a passing moment, but a continuous process of inner purification. The person who repents
assumes responsibility for their life, humbles themselves, and seeks the help of God, thus beginning a
new life directed towards the good.
Through repentance, a person rises from a state of estrangement and regains communion with God. St
Mary of Egypt is living proof that repentance brings healing and illumination, being the path through
which divine grace transforms even the most wounded souls. Repentance thus becomes a true victory
over sin.
This Sunday reminds us that no matter how far a person may have fallen, return is always possible.
God receives the one who repents with a sincere heart and grants them the strength to change their
life, just as He did with St Mary of Egypt, making repentance the beginning of a real and lasting
renewal.’
The conference concluded in an atmosphere of reflection and dialogue, offering the faithful the
opportunity to deepen their understanding of the call to repentance, to the renewal of life, and to the
undertaking of a sincere spiritual struggle, in the hope of victory over sin and of encountering Christ.